A few months ago I wrote an article here that coined the phrase #TeamPTBO. Since then the Chamber has seen multiple references to the term, and indeed we’ve used it on a number of occasions, both in conversation and as a hashtag on social media. But what does it actually mean? Who’s on the team?

Let me say up front that I hesitate to attempt to define #TeamPTBO for fear of limiting a concept that should have no limits, but Sandra is on holidays and I need 500 words....

Let’s look at what is a significant local economic development infrastructure. At the top of the heap is the Peterborough Economic Development (PED). PED is funded by both the City and County of Peterborough. They are the lead agency for economic development. Their areas of focus include tourism, agriculture, start-ups and entrepreneurs, the attraction and retention of businesses in general, the airport, the Trent Research and Innovation Park, Startup Peterborough, the Business Advisory Centre, and more. They employ professional staff who work closely with clients who are trying to start a business or grow a business.

The list of other agencies that play either a supporting or unique role is very long, including:

The Chamber of Commerce. Our list of services would fill this column, but our core work is captured in our vision statement – “Strengthening Business” through advocacy, mission-based events, strategic marketing opportunities, and business protection and savings programs. There is also the Kawartha Chamber and Tourism, the Millbrook Chamber, Havelock Chamber, and township business development committees of many shapes and sizes.

The Innovation Cluster. Carving out a unique space in technology- based, innovation-focused, entrepreneur-led business start-ups and growth.

The Kawartha Manufacturers Association. Supported by PED, the KMA is a volunteer-led group of manufacturers focussed on helping each other achieve world- class manufacturing.

The DBIA. Governed by geography, the DBIA is still focused on start-ups and growth for businesses within their jurisdiction, serving an events and marketing function as well as a lobby group for the Downtown core. Like the Chamber, there are several similar organizations in smaller communities in the Kawarthas.

Startup Peterborough. An entrepreneur-led organization designed to support budding and seasoned entrepreneurs, also supported by PED.

The list of agencies continues: Community Futures Peterborough, The Women’s Business Network, The Homebuilders Association, FastStart, The Federation of Agriculture and multiple commodity groups, The New Canadians Centre, the Peterborough Immigrant Partnership, Sustainable Peterborough, The Workforce Development Board, and more...

All levels of Government deserve special mention. City and County Councils contribute $1.6 million directly to PED and indirectly to many other agencies and initiatives, The Provincial and Federal Governments also contribute to much of the work being done. And it’s not just handing out cheques.

Contributions from Government include everything from the Mayor sitting on a committee, to the municipal staff working with local business, to MP Monsef’s Peterborough Advisory Council on Jobs, to the very rules and regulations that govern how, where, and if, we do business. As Councillor Dan McWilliams said at PED’s Annual General Meeting earlier this year, “We are more than just funders”.

I assume you know where this is going... Obviously all of the above are the foundation of #TeamPTBO. Let’s not try too hard to define it. Let’s not use it to exclude anyone. Let’s use it as it was intended – a rallying cry for business retention and growth.

Where do you fit in? If you are still reading, then you are on #TeamPTBO too...

Article originally appeared on ConnectingPtbo - (http://connectingptbo.ca/).